Dunlop Motorcycle Europe has once again been named the official tire partner for the prestigious Honda Adventure Roads event. For the second consecutive year, the acclaimed Trailmax Raid will be the tire of choice, providing essential grip and stability for riders tackling Honda’s redesigned adventure program this summer.
While last year’s event saw riders journey from Rome to Istanbul, the 2026 edition introduces a fresh format. Honda is shifting from ultra-endurance to shorter, three-day skill-focused tours designed to help riders master their machines. Participants will pilot the versatile Honda XL750 Transalp across two stunning routes:
June: Barcelona to Toulouse
September: Turin to Nice
The Trailmax Raid is celebrated for its "do-it-all" DNA. As a 50/50 on/off-road tire, it bridges the gap between rugged dirt performance and composed road manners.
"Riders trust the Trailmax Raid to deliver the right balance of off-road capability with on-road rideability," says Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager at Dunlop Motorcycle Europe. "We know it will provide the confidence to let participants truly enjoy these spectacular tours."
Honda Motor Europe’s Nick Bennett added that the tire is the "perfect match" for the XL750 Transalp, noting that previous participants praised its ability to handle diverse terrain without compromising on-road comfort.
You don’t need to be on the official Honda tour to experience world-class adventure performance. Whether you are navigating wet tarmac or loose gravel trails, the Dunlop Trailmax Raid is engineered to push your boundaries.
Ready to upgrade your ride? Equip your bike with the same confidence-inspiring rubber used by Honda Adventure Roads.
The first tire test of 2026 focuses on sport tires in sizes 120/70 ZR17 and 190/55 ZR17
Five pairs – Bridgestone S23, Dunlop Sportsmart MK 4, Michelin Power 6, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV and Metzeler Sportec 01 –
cover 2,200 km on a BMW S 1000 XR and then compete again in dry and wet tests.
Bridgestone S23 - GOOD - Conclusion: The Bridgestone S23 performs very well in many areas when new. However, with increasing mileage,
the gap to the competition widens because it wears the most. The Japanese manufacturer urgently needs to improve this aspect.
Dunlop Sportsmart MK 4 - VERY GOOD - Conclusion: The Dunlop Sportsmart MK4 comes very close to squaring the circle. Top performance on country roads, top performance in wet conditions, and top wear resistance! It earns a well-deserved test victory for this truly all-around performance.
Michelin Power 6 - GOOD - Conclusion: When it comes to excellent country road performance and playful handling, the Power 6 is a great option. Its slow wear is a further advantage and ensures consistent driving characteristics.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV - GOOD - Conclusion: The Pirelli Rosso IV is a sporty tire with high driving stability and excellent performance on country roads and in wet conditions. Those who prefer "very fast" to "comfortable" will be happy with this Italian tire.
Metzeler Sportec 01 - GOOD - Conclusion: "Veni, vidi, vici" didn't apply this year. The Munich-based company will have to swallow this bitter pill and then make improvements. The wear on the rear tire, in particular, negatively impacts handling and costs valuable points.
Continental SportAttack 5 - The Conti SportAttack 5 arrived too late for this test, but it is available in stores now. Only the 200/55 ZR17 size will be available in March.
Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced that it will launch the premium sports motorcycle tyre Bridgestone BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 in January 2026 for the European and markets. Under the concept of “From Circuit to Street”, by incorporating race tyre technology, the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 delivers the highest level of dry grip performance in the road-legal tyre lineup of BATTLAX.
Key technologies featured in the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12
Incorporating technologies proven through continued success in motorcycle endurance races, the new BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 delivers comprehensive improvements in circuit performance, with a particular emphasis on dry grip. The lap time is significantly reduced compared to the previous model, the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11. In addition, by optimizing the combination of compound, tread pattern design and structure, the tyre maintains high grip performance even after multiple laps. As a result, it provides riders with safety, peace of mind and enjoyment across a wide range of riding conditions - from sporty riding on dry roads to winding roads and circuit tracks.
Bridgestone will launch its track-only premium motorcycle tyre, the Bridgestone RACING BATTLAX V03, to the European and North American markets in 2026.
The new Bridgestone RACING BATTLAX V03 is designed for both professional and amateur riders who pursue speed and the highest levels of grip.
The latest addition to Bridgestone’s motorcycle tyre range incorporates technologies refined through years of success in the world’s most prestigious racing events, delivering exceptional grip. And, for the first time, Bridgestone introduces a rear ‘SPRINT spec’, providing a wide range of options according to race type and track conditions.
Unrivalled Grip in BATTLAX History
The new Bridgestone RACING BATTLAX V03 is equipped with newly-developed compounds based on technology that has continuously triumphed in the world’s top-tier races – including the FIM Endurance World Championship, which has been won by a Bridgestone-supplied team for five consecutive years.
The tyre applies a completely redesigned profile for both the front and rear tyres, resulting in an increased contact area. In particular, the rear tyre adopts advanced production techniques, achieving an optimal profile that significantly improves lap times.
Thanks to these innovations, the Bridgestone RACING BATTLAX V03 delivers overwhelming grip, significantly reducing lap times when compared to its predecessor, the RACING BATTLAX V02. Comparing the SOFT compound performances of both tyres, the RACING BATTLAX V03 reduces lap times by 1.3 per cent per lap – while still maintaining the typical Bridgestone DNA of high grip even after multiple laps.
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Building on a successful debut season as the exclusive tire supplier to every class in the Campionato Italiano Velocità (CIV), Dunlop unveils key innovations for 2025.
Leveraging the intense competition of CIV and other prestigious national and world championships its tires are raced in, Dunlop continues to refine and develop the latest track tire technology using crucial data. This ongoing innovation enhances both performance and rider confidence on the track, in classes at all levels.
In the highly competitive Supersport 600NG category, which saw six different winners across the twelve races and featured grids of more than 40 bikes last year, Dunlop will bring some key developments such as the introduction of a new softer rear compound for the riders to choose from, in addition to the new soft-medium rear tire launched in 2024.
Equally, Superbike riders will receive a new front tire, which, thanks to its new construction, will improve braking stability. In qualifying, a new rear compound will increase riders’ ability to push for rapid lap times over one or two laps longer than with the previous tire. Furthermore, with Production bike riders sharing a grid with the Superbike class, there are sure to be even more opportunities for overtakes and thrilling racing action with two classes of bikes on track at the same time.
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The Bridgestone Corporation announces another original equipment approval: The Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32 will be supplied as an OE tire for the new sport touring models Tracer9, Tracer9 GT and Tracer 9 GT+ from Yamaha Motor, Ltd.
120/70 ZR17 (58W) Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32
180/55 ZR17 (73W) Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32
The successor to the T32, the Bridgestone T33, has been available for a few weeks.
The Honda Gold Wing is certainly a very special bike and Michelin is focusing on the needs of this bike to present a tyre developed specifically for it. Under the name Michelin Road W GT, this tyre has been presented at the Milan 2024 show.
The Gold Wing is undoubtedly one of the largest GTs on the market and this means that many of its users have a very high annual mileage. According to Michelin, its low centre of gravity, which gives it commendable agility for a bike of its size and weight, together with the torque and response of the high-displacement six-cylinder engine, subject the tyre to extreme stress, especially when accelerating, braking or taking successive curves.
Maxis are not just a scooter for the city: their use on the road, for leisure trips, has gained followers and Michelin wants to offer an option focused on this dual use, daily use and sports driving with the new Michelin Power Shift.
A tyre that aims to offer greater performance and versatility than a standard tyre for this type of sporty maxi scooters and which replaces the Pilot Road 4SC and Pilot Power 3SC, thus simplifying the choice for users.
The new Power Shift benefits from Reinforced Radial X-Evo technology in the casing and the familiar 2CT+ dual-compound tread. This means improved rigidity when leaning the bike and therefore greater stability even when accelerating out of corners.
Bridgestone Unveils the BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T33: A New Era of Sport Touring Performance
Bridgestone, a global leader in tire technology, is proud to introduce the BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T33, a next-generation sport touring tire designed to elevate the riding experience. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the T32, the new T33 offers a significant 47% improvement in mileage while maintaining the exceptional wet and dry performance that riders have come to expect from the BATTLAX series.
Key Features and Benefits:
Bridgestone's Commitment to Riding Excitement
Bridgestone is dedicated to providing innovative products that inspire riders and enhance their overall riding experience. The BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T33 embodies this commitment by delivering exceptional performance, durability, and safety. With the T33, riders can embark on long-distance journeys with confidence, knowing they have a tire that can handle any road condition.
Availability
The Bridgestone BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T33 will be available in four front and six rear sizes at January 2025, with an additional five sizes to be released in 2026.
Buy now the Bridgestone T33
DIABLO POWERCRUISER is Pirelli's sporty interpretation of the Custom-Touring dedicated to sport Cruisers and Baggers.
Pirelli DIABLO POWERCRUISER represents the completely new Custom-Touring line of Pirelli high-performance tyres designed specifically for selected models of sport Cruiser and Bagger machines. With DIABLO POWERCRUISER, Pirelli is aimed both at owners of the new Cruiser and Bagger V-Twin, bikes characterised by searing acceleration and fun to ride, which have become more high-performing over time in terms of torque output and handling. These machines are aimed at customizers who combine aesthetic research with performance tuning and who are therefore looking for a tyre capable of adding high performance and sportiness to their creations.
Can I fit lower speed rated motorcycle tires?
Motorcycle tyres withe the M&S mark can be used with a lower speedindex then in your vehicle handbook.
For example when you want to mount on a BMW R 1250 GS offroad tyres.
You can get specific ‘winter motorcycle tires’. These are better known as M+S rated tires. M+S stands for Mud and Snow and tyres that are M&S rated usually have a snowflake symbol on the tyre wall or they will clearly mention M+S. In countries where winter tyres are a legal requirement, motorcycles are required to have them fitted.
In the most EU countries the Speedlimit with M&S Wintertires is Q = 160 km/h
Mitas tyres have been chosen for the newest Colibri M22 e-motorbikes, made for longer lasting road trips and offroad riding, too. Colibri’s selection of Mitas tyres shows their commitment to providing the best possible on road and offroad experience for riders. Mitas will give Colibri riders three tyre range options: the Mitas MC-25, Mitas MC-32 and Mitas SPEEDWAY tyres, made to ensure optimal grip on any terrain and in any weather.
Mitas tyres have been chosen for the newest Colibri M22 e-motorbikes, made for longer lasting road trips and offroad riding, too. Colibri’s selection of Mitas tyres shows their commitment to providing the best possible on road and offroad experience for riders. Mitas will give Colibri riders three tyre range options: the MC-25, MC-32 and SPEEDWAY tyres, made to ensure optimal grip on any terrain and in any weather.
Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Head of Mitas Motorcycle Tyres remarked, "Mitas is committed to supporting sustainable means of urban transport, and this partnership is just one example of that commitment in action. Mitas continues to show our dedication to working with partners worldwide on initiatives that put our planet first, giving them the power and rides our customers need on any terrain they meet."
The 2024 season once again presents a challenge for motorcyclists: choosing the right sport motorcycle tire. The good news: A bad purchase is almost impossible, as the differences between the test candidates are minimal.
The Test Motorcycle: BMW S 1000 R
The BMW S 1000 R serves as a representative model for an extremely powerful motorcycle category, whose performance (except for top speed) almost rivals that of a Superbike. With cutting-edge electronic assistance systems and a comfortable riding position, it offers optimal conditions for the test riders.
Test Candidates
Results at a Glance:
METZELER M9 RR : Very Good - Conclusion: Very good compromise between sportiness and everyday use. Whether in the wet, at sporty speeds on the country road or on a time trial: the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR copes very well with all conditions.
MICHELIN POWER 6 : Very Good - Conclusion: "Cool or wet conditions don't affect the Power 6 with its good handling. It has gained in sporting potential compared to the Power 5. A real recommendation for sporty everyday riders."
PIRELLI DIABLO ROSSO IV CORSA : Very Good - Conclusion: "Very sporty tire that focuses on dryness in the Corsa version. The sportier it is driven, the better it functions. The wet performance is uncritical and can convince sporty fair-weather riders."
BRIDGESTONE S22 : Good - Conclusion: "Very sporty tire with good feedback. The good feeling for the front tire in particular speaks for the S22. Another plus of the Japanese tire is its overall performance, which is still harmonious."
Since there wasn't enough time for the big comparison test, we subjected the new Bridgestone S 23 to a follow-up test against its established predecessor and a hot skin.
BRIDGESTONE S23 : The Bridgestone S23 surpasses the S22 in terms of turn-in behavior, stability and lateral grip in the dry. Sporty country road riders will love it for that. In the wet, the S23 really comes into its own, especially when leaning. Here it clearly outperforms the S22, which is clearly demonstrated by the 3.7 seconds faster lap time. In terms of braking distance and acceleration in the wet, the S23 remains at the high level of the S22.
DUNLOP SPORTSMART MK3 : Good - Conclusion: "The Dunlop Sportsmart MK 3 is a very agile and sporty tire. However, the stiff construction reduces feedback in cooler conditions, which costs points especially in the wet."
Dunlop is also launching the Dunlop SportSmart MK4 as its successor this year. Probably available from November 2024.
Additional Information:
Six tires were tested on a BMW R 1250 RS in the tire size 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17 to prove their qualities. Five of the tires had already been extensively tested in the 2022 Touring Tire Test, but without the wear test together with the newcomer METZELER ROADTEC 02.
Handling on Land Roads and Everyday Use
Three brands with equal points prove how close the touring tires can be even after 2000 kilometers of test distance. Dunlop and Michelin retain their agile, handy character from the start, while Pirelli retains its stability when cornering quickly. The new Metzeler can't quite make it to the top and places itself in the midfield with Continental. The Bridgestone suffers badly from its wear, degrades heavily and therefore only gets a "good".
Wet Performance
Although this is not about absolute lap times, it reflects the level of the four best tires. Only 1.2 seconds separate the tires in the individual evaluation, and in the sum of all points, they are only separated by one point. Continental is also good, but with slight weaknesses in grip and steering precision. Due to its high wear, the Bridgestone no longer gives the rider a good feeling.
Wear Performance
Let's start with the most striking tire. The Bridgestone T 32 unfortunately stands out negatively from the test field, as it is already waving the white flag on the front wheel and shouting "I'm done". The Metzeler has also lost some feathers, but very evenly front and rear and without any major negative influences on the riding behavior. Continental does the same. Great, after 2000 kilometers there are still fun tires: the tires from Dunlop, Michelin and Pirelli.
For the complete test, get the Motorrad at the kiosk or online today.
Bridgestone today announced the launch of the BRIDGESTONE BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, a new sports radial motorcycle tyre for street use that will be available from January 2024.
The Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is the latest product in Bridgestone’s BATTLAX range of premium motorcycle tyres, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023. Delivering various performance improvements over its predecessor, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is a next-generation sports tyre that’s engineered to meet the requirements of sporty riding on asphalt, featuring increased levels of exceptional dry grip performance when riding on circuits or cornering on mountain roads.
